A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Portofino vs. Zadar for Resorts, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Portofino or Zadar?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Portofino or Zadar? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Portofino

Portofino is a opulent, exclusive, and luxurious seaside village. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Zadar

Zadar is a laid back, relaxed, and coastal town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Portofino and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portofino or Zadar?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Portofino than Zadar, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Portofino is better known for its nightlife, resorts, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Zadar is more popular for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Portofino is more touristy than Zadar and is known for its picturesque harbor, high end shopping, strikingly blue waters, and popularity with superyachts. Also, Portofino is famous for its scenic harbor. Zadar is well known for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

Its scenic harbor

How is Portofino different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Zadar and Portofino. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Portofino or Zadar?

Zadar is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for its museums and history.

Zadar offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The old town is like a living museum, with city walls and a historic gate. The Church of St. Donatus, Zadar Cathedral, and the Zadar Archaeological Museum are all fascinating places to visit in town, but if you're looking for the most unique sight, make sure you check out The Sea Organ and The Sun Salutation.

While most people don't head to Portofino specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The village is mostly about soaking up the atmosphere, but you can also visit sights such as Sun Church of St. George and Cervara Abbey.

Is the Food Better in Portofino or Zadar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Portofino and Zadar can be an enjoyable experience.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Portofino. Located by the sea, you'll enjoy tons of great seafood here. Make sure you try the mussels, swordfish, and salt cod.

Zadar has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town is filled with outdoor cafes that serve up a healthy and delicious selection of recipes. The ingredients are fresh and local with olive oil and seafood making frequent appearances on the menus. Prices are also reasonable.

Is Portofino or Zadar Better for Nightlife?

Portofino is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its evening party scene.

Portofino offers plenty to do in the evening. Most of the nightlife is found around Piazzetta (Oliveri Square) and Molo Umberto I. Happy hours (aperitivo) start around 5pm or 6pm and then as the evening continues, the party often moves to Paraggi Beach.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Zadar. The town comes to life at night when the bars and restaurants fill with people chatting and socializing. This is an easy place to enjoy the evening as almost all of the nightlife venues are within a five minute walk of each other.

Is Portofino or Zadar Better for Resorts?

Portofino is an amazing seaside village to visit for its resorts. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Portofino is a great choice. Known for it's exclusive luxury, there are a number of high end resorts in the area. Popular options include Splendido, Sublimis Boutique Hotel, and Grand Hotel Miramare.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Zadar. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

Is Portofino or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Zadar is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Portofino is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Zadar has a few good snorkeling spots. This is an easy place to snorkel because the water is so clear. There are also half and full day snorkeling trips that take you to some of the best spots.

Portofino is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Portofino or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is notable for the beache. Also, Portofino is not as famous, but is still a good seaside village to visit for the beach.

Zadar is considered a top beach destination. There are some nice beaches outside of town with one of the most famous being Sakarun Beach, which is part of the Zadar archipelago. There are a handful of beaches nearby that are pebbly and popular with the locals. These include Puntamika Beach and Beach Borik.

Many people head to Portofino to enjoy the beach. Like much of the Italian coast, the beaches in the area are dramatic and beautiful. They're also rocky and pebbly and can get a bit crowded during the summer months.

Is Portofino or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the high quality old towns in both Portofino and Zadar.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Portofino. Despite evolving into a famous resort town, Portofino still holds on to its fishing village charm.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Zadar. The small old town is filled with charm and character. It's a walled medieval town that can easily be explored in a few hours.

Is Portofino or Zadar Better for Hiking?

Portofino is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Zadar is not a hiking destination.

Portofino is a popular spot for hiking. There are many beautiful hikes and treks along the coastline that pass by scenic landscapes and breathtaking views.

Zadar is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Portofino or Zadar?

Portofino is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

Portofino is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The quaint cobblestone streets are lined with high end boutiques that target the opulent jet-setter crowd that frequents Portofino. Much of the shopping is around Martiri dell'Olivetta Square.

Zadar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are small, boutique shops around the old town that sell designer merchandise. There are also shopping malls on the outskirts of town.

Is Portofino or Zadar Better for Families?

Zadar is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for its kid-friendly activities.

Zadar is a family-friendly place to visit. It's fun to explore the small medieval old town, but the kids will also appreciate getting out of town and enjoying the nearby activities. It's definitely worth visiting Pag Island or any of the other natural settings that are nearby. There are also several beaches near town. In town, make sure you hear the Sea Organ and dance at the Sun Salutation.

Portofino is not always a place people visit with their families. The town has a picturesque setting and some beautiful pebbly beaches. It's fun for kids to run around the town, explore by kayak, or play in the waters edge.

Is Portofino or Zadar Better for Couples?

Portofino is an amazing seaside village to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Portofino makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Set beautifully against the ocean's edge, this famous Italian town makes for a truly romantic holiday. Ogle the mega yachts in the harbor and then wander the charming streets while you soak in the atmosphere.

Zadar makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This charming seaside town is fun to explore as a couple. There's a walled medieval town that is small and easy to wander around. There are also nearby beaches and great restaurants to explore. A highlight of a visit is watching the stunning sunsets by the water.

Is Portofino or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zadar is notable for backpackers. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for backpackers and budget travelers.

Zadar is a great town to visit for backpackers. There's no shortage of hostels in town and you'll find backpackers, students, and budget travelers everywhere.

Portofino is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Known for it's high prices, the town isn't particularly popular with the backpacker crowd. It is possible to stay outside of town and head in for a day trip.

Is Portofino or Zadar Better for Students?

Zadar is notable for students. However, Portofino is not popular with students.

Zadar is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. The laid back lifestyle and low cost of living make this a great place to be a student. It's a relaxed environment with many nearby places to explore.

Portofino is not popular with students.

Is Portofino or Zadar Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Zadar is a popular place for its public transit. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for times when you don't have a car.

Zadar has a few public transit options. There are 11 bus lines that travel around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Portofino. The closet train stations are Santa Margherita Ligure and Camogli. You can catch a bus from the Santa Margherita train station. There are also some ferry options.

Is Portofino or Zadar a more walkable city?

Portofino is an amazing seaside village to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Portofino on foot. It's easy to walk around the village and then explore the countryside on one of the nearby trails.

Zadar is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable and can easily be explored on foot in a few hours.

For even more information, also check out Is Portofino Worth Visiting? and Is Zadar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Portofino?

How long in Portofino or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Portofino or Zadar to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Portofino than Zadar because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Portofino, and 1-2 days is enough time in Zadar.

Families should spend more time in Zadar than Portofino. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Zadar, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Portofino than Zadar. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Portofino that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zadar than Portofino if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Zadar.

One day in Portofino or Zadar?

Even though Portofino is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This seaside village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find nightlife and food around the town of Zadar. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zadar has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Portofino or Zadar?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portofino. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the laid back destination of Zadar. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Portofino or Zadar?

Portofino is a fun place to experience. Portofino is a small town with plenty to do. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the laid back town of Zadar. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Portofino or Zadar?

Portofino is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Zadar is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Italy, The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy, The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Portofino and Zadar, we can see that Portofino is more expensive. And not only is Zadar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zadar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zadar and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Portofino would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portofino than you might in Zadar.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Portofino Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Portofino or Zadar?

Zadar has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Portofino. When comparing the sizes of Portofino and Zadar, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.